How To Fix BT620 - Unable to start external program (see system log)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BT - Background processing messages

• Message number: 620

• Message text: Unable to start external program (see system log)

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

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Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BT620 - Unable to start external program (see system log) ?

  The SAP error message BT620, which states "Unable to start external program (see system log)," typically indicates that the SAP system is having trouble executing an external program or command. This can occur for various reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for troubleshooting and resolving the issue.
  Possible Causes:
  
  Incorrect Path or Filename: The external program may not be located in the specified path, or the filename may be incorrect.
  Permissions Issues: The user under which the SAP system is running may not have the necessary permissions to execute the external program.
  Environment Variables: Required environment variables may not be set correctly, preventing the program from starting.
  Missing Dependencies: The external program may depend on other libraries or executables that are not available on the system.
  System Resource Limitations: The system may be running low on resources (e.g., memory, CPU), preventing the execution of new processes.
  Configuration Issues: The configuration settings in SAP for executing external programs may be incorrect.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check the Path and Filename: Verify that the path to the external program is correct and that the program exists in that location.
  Review Permissions: Ensure that the user account running the SAP instance has the necessary permissions to execute the external program. You may need to adjust file permissions or user group settings.
  Set Environment Variables: Check if any required environment variables are missing or incorrectly set. You can set these in the operating system or within the SAP profile parameters.
  Install Missing Dependencies: If the external program requires additional libraries or executables, ensure they are installed and accessible.
  Monitor System Resources: Use system monitoring tools to check for resource availability. If the system is low on resources, consider optimizing or upgrading the hardware.
  Review SAP Configuration: Check the configuration settings in SAP related to external commands. This can include transaction codes like SM69 (for external commands) to ensure that the command is correctly defined.
  
  Related Information:
  
  System Log: The error message suggests checking the system log for more details. You can access the system log using transaction SM21 in SAP. Look for any related error messages that might provide additional context.
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Documentation: Review the documentation for the external program you are trying to execute to ensure that it is compatible with your SAP system and properly configured.
  
  By systematically checking these areas, you should be able to identify the cause of the BT620 error and implement a solution. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.